Movie Review: American Sniper

American Sniper
Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Rating: R (for strong and disturbing war violence, and language throughout including some sexual references)
Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min.
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes, Ben Reed
Plot: From director Clint Eastwood comes "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to this true American hero than his skill with a rifle. U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname "Legend." However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, becoming emblematic of the SEAL creed to "leave no man behind." But upon returning home, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

First and foremost, the utmost respect and admiration must be given to the men and women who sacrifice much to join the military and protect the rights and freedom of many lives. I love all of you and support you no matter what.

American Sniper is one of those movies that's hard to watch. The content is so heavy, it's hard to actually see the horrible situations our men and women are faced with in battle. Gruesome. Raw. Heartbreaking. The toll war takes on those who serve, and their family as well, is outlined in living color. Crafted with heroism and acted with the utmost tenderness that was needed to fill these big shoes.

Chris Kyle was a complex man who left the world too soon, Bradley Cooper takes the performance home with raw acting ability, literally clawing for each facet of realism and authentication. You'll cry right on queue and hang on to your seats in the next scene. It's an emotional roller-coaster that will leave you skinned of anything other then respect.

That all being said, there were several scenes where a CGI baby was used. It was blatantly obvious the baby was not real, at all. Which left me stunned it was even used. Was there a budget cut on getting a real baby? I don't know, but it was VERY distracting and all I could look at. I missed the whole scene just starting that this weird, odd looking CGI thing.

Clint may not have a director style that blows my hair back, but that takes a side seat the RPG's that could actually blow my hair all the way off. It's in your face and somber at the same time. You'll leave the theater in a different state of being. Bradley deserves all the nominations he's receiving for this one and I hope he wins them all!


Getting 4 Sheep

KD

Sheep Movie Review: American Hustle

American Hustle 

Directed by: David O. Russell 

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner

Rated R

Plot:

A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, thepassionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell's previous films, American Hustle defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes. 

This film was amazingly clever, witty and engaging from beginning to end. I LOVED every disco second of it. It's the American dream, minus the whole con-artist scheming thing. From the cloths, acting, set design, music, there were just so many awesome aspects to this movie! 

How could you not love all this awesome hair? 

And these low cut dresses? Yeow!

This is one to see! So much comedy, intermixed with a crime drama that will have you strapped in for the ride! Go see this one and watch for it, and all the cast, to be a big winner in the upcoming Golden Globes. 

Getting 4 and 1/2 "London calling" Sheep 

KD

Movie Review: Top 10 reasons to see Hangover III

The Hangover Part III (2013)
100 min - Comedy
Release: 23 May 2013 (USA)
Director: Todd Phillips
Writers: Todd Phillips, Craig Mazin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis

This time, there's no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off.

If you liked the first two then you will love this one; especially if you loved Mr. Chow. You see a lot of Mr. Chow in this one <G>. I went with my husband and 12 year old daughter (yeah, I know. Parenting fail) and we all laughed and had a good time. I must admit I haven’t seen the second one yet, but I don’t think it matters. There were plenty of references to the first two movies and at the end there was a nice cheesy Wolfpack music montage. Whether or not you should see this in the theater versus renting… depends on how you feel about these types of movies. You get exactly what it advertises; including the beheading of a Giraffe (no Giraffe was hurt in the making of this movie) and a lot of cursing. Make sure you stay for the 2 minute extra scene after the credits roll…

Top 10 reasons to see Hangover III

11. Someone needs to burn this place to the ground.

10. I’m killing Dougs today

9. I’m *#$;#*@*#%;!;&*)$)@* Chow #*%&#)(@)!;@)@ #*&amp; @*@*&# @((#*#$!$#@!

8. This is the best day of my life!

7. I love cocaaaaaaaaaaaine!

6. You don’t talk to madness

5. F***ing spit in your own hand!

4. I’m invisible!

3. I’m saying hello, were dogs!

2. Red lollipops

1. Seriously? have you seen him?

3 ½ “*%#@&*^$@^*” sheep

Sharon Stogner

Sheep Movie Reviews: Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook, directed by David Russell, stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker. Nominated for eight Oscars, I was eager to get out and see this film straight away! A meaningful and beautiful story that takes a hard look at people who suffer from mental illness and the the effect it has on not only themselves, but the families and friends who love them. 

Plot:

Life doesn't always go according to plan. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything -- his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months is a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet-and to share their family's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

I am not a big fan of Bradley Cooper, at all, so when I read that he was going to be leading man in this one I was not gushing with happy-happy, joy-joy. But after I watched him and felt the raw emotion that he offered up on a silver platter, I was absolutely blown away. His ability to show true and real emotion for a role that must have been harder then hell to play, had me laughing and crying at the same time. With pure believability and utter venerability this man is now on my list of actors I will watch. Forget the Hangover films dude, and stick with this, because you're darn good at it! 

With Robert De Niro playing a Dad who's just trying to do the best he can in the face of a mental illness he has no control over, you're blown away yet again by the emotion of the characters. Robert is a veteran in the acting world, but once more the amount of raw passion and stupefied fatherly love that comes through was pure gold. Married to the love of his life, the Philadelphia Eagles, you've got a family obsessed with football and a son who's trying to make the madness in his head a little more bearable. 

Jennifer Lawrence is now a two time Oscar nominated actress and rightly so. She yet again takes command of her character and absorbs it like a second skin, the ability to adapt and play a range of characters is going to give this gal a very long and fruitful career in the acting community. The humanity of a world that can be cruel to outsiders and the strength it takes to overcome the odds was the pure heart and soul of Silver Linings Playbook. 

Every leading actor in this film was nominated for an Oscar. That, in and of itself, says something for the story. This isn't an action film or an epic adventure, but a human movie about real life issues that millions of folks face every day. It's raw and real and will slap you across the face a few times before it's done with you. 

This is a story that's both warm and tender yet laced with comedy and emotion. A love story of life and cooping. It's one you must see and absolutely going to be a big hitter in this years Oscars! 

I do not give out full ratings lightly, I proudly pay this film homage with 5 Sheep. 

KD

I'm gonna kill you, fool! A-Team

Yes, yes I know....I went to see A-Team but wait for the review before you judge me!

A-Team directed by Joe Carnahan and staring Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face), Rampage Jackson (B.A.), Sharlto Copley (Murdock) and Jessica Biel (sexy military lady) hit theaters this weekend hoping to top the box office. Well... it feel a little short grossing $25

million coming in at 2nd behind the remake of Karate Kid. So not wanting to stand in weekend lines for the kid (and guys the lines we LONG), I choose the A-Team......

My expectations were at an all time low going into this movie, and to be frank (and u can be Ann) maybe that helped because I actually kind of enjoyed this film. Was I on something you ask? Yeah I had a cocktail but lets put that aside shall we, this movie was a decent popcorn flick.

Actions scenes were of course over the top, no-way-in-Hades-did-that-happen, I'll just catch the 9am flight to the moon and be back in 2 shakes of a lamb tail! :) The movie trailers pretty much let the audience know what is going to be in store for them. Wait? Tanks fly?

Some really funny comedy in this film from the main characters and secondary actors as well. Classic lines from the original series are thrown in too please fans, don't bite the hand that feeds ya boys.

Two things I worried about in this film, Murdock and B.A. could they deliver? I am pleased to say that yes they did! Rampage shocked me the most, I was hating not having Mr. T fill his role but after seeing the film I'm ok with how it worked out. Nice job my man. Murdock you had me bustin up numerous times, and no I have yet to see the blue man group.

And yes Rose, your man Bradley Cooper looked great without his shirt on. Bring your drool towels and paper bags ladies. :)

Overall its your average action popcorn flick, sit back relax and enjoy it for what it is.

KD